Yesterday the Equal Opportunities Commission launched a survey, backed by Conservative leader David Cameron concluding that the UK is still drastically lagging behind Europe in its ability to provide flexible working options. The report makes grim reading for UK workers that have always appeared to be the poor cousin in Europe in terms of working hours. So grave is the situation that Cameron along with Labour deputy leader contender, Harriet Harman, are both backing a change in the law.
Rene Schuster, CEO of Adecco UK and Ireland, the largest recruiter in the world, believes this report is a strong step in the right direction, but whilst he does not see regulation as the right route, education and awareness for both employees and employees is key, and that Government, business and the recruitment industry have a vital role in which to play.
I welcome the findings of the EOC report and praise anything that raises the issue of better UK working conditions for families. Since April 2003 any working parent who has a child under the age of six or a disabled child under the age of 18 has the right to apply to work flexibly. Whilst there is a strong argument for the burden of proof to be shifted from the employee to the employer, enforcement through regulation would be wrong and potentially damaging to the many small businesses that make up the UK economy . Education and awareness of the both the benefits, and potential problems, for both parties is key to ensuring that UK businesses successfully increase the availability of flexible working. To achieve this, businesses, the Government and the recruitment industry all have major roles to play.
Flexible working options are often the biggest consideration for employees with outside commitments of family etc. Our own extensive research indicates that as work and home lives continue to collide and blur, employees are demanding flexible approaches to work more than ever before. Today, work is something many of us will still be doing well into our late 60s and early 70s, therefore businesses must embrace more flexible approaches to work if they are to keep people motivated and enthusiastic about their jobs. We already know that most people have one eye on the next opportunity, and if businesses continue to ignore this increasing demand they will be the ones to ultimately suffer in high levels of attrition and a poorly motivated workforce.
Adecco, also conducted its own recent research into the UK's position on flexible working and found that:
- 1 in 3 want flexible working initiatives
- Less than 5 per cent believe that these will ever happen
- 1 in 5 work an extra 14 hours more than they're paid for, effectively equating to a seven day week
- 4 in 10 admit to missing family commitments because of work pressure
However there is some light at the end of the tunnel with:
- 45% have been provided with PC/fax/modem link to enable flexibility via regular home working
- 45% are allowed to work flexitime to enable them to fit working around external commitment
(Based on a survey of over 1500 UK managers 2004/05)
Breaking news comment from Adecco
The report makes grim reading for UK workers that have always appeared to be the poor cousin in Europe in terms of working hours
